New in the Literature: Neck Pain (Eur Spine J [Epub ahead of print])

Patients with neck pain who are likely to respond to home-based mechanical cervical traction (HMCT) might be identified with a clinical predication rule, say authors of an article published online ahead of print January 15 in European Spine Journal.

A physical therapy clinic at a Singapore hospital conducted the prospective cohort study, which included patients with neck pain referred to the clinic for physical therapy. A HMCT program was given to participants for 2 weeks. The patient's demographic data, Numerical Pain Scale (NPS) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire score were collected, and standard physical examination of the cervical spine was conducted before intervention. The NPS score, NDI, and a global rating of perceived improvement were collected after the intervention was completed. A total of 103 patients participated in the study; 47 had a positive response to HMCT. A clinical prediction rule with 4 variables (Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Work Subscale score < 13, pre-intervention pain intensity ≥ 7/10, positive cervical distraction test, and pain below shoulder) was identified. With satisfaction of at least 3 out of 4 variables (positive likelihood ratio = 4.77), the intervention's success rate increased from 45.6% to more than 80%.

Comments

Hi nice concept but unless you change the life style the relief temporary. It will comeback again

Posted by Komady
on 3/18/2011 5:56 AM

Don't believe lifestyle was a tested variable. Perhaps modifying the pain would allow for a change in lifestyle, however.

Posted by sam
on 3/20/2011 1:11 AM

It would seem if you can break the cycle of pain,tension,inflamation, you might see a decrease in pain levels that are more manageable.

Posted by John
on 3/21/2011 11:13 AM

Posture is also a big factor. Patients who have rounded shoulders and show kyphosis in their thoracic spine get temporary results with exercise. But they need to have that lifestyle change in working to reduce posture described above. I have to exercise my neck and scapular muscles and wear a figure 8 soft brace (when driving long distances) to keep my posture from returning to what is now comfortable for me. I feel that all treatments for neck pain should include scapular muscle strengthening and posture work.